Top 17 Highest Paying IT Jobs in India in 2024 (IT Sector)

The best-paid jobs in today’s market are often the ones that are aiding the digital economy. Traditionally best-paying jobs like doctors, Chartered Accountants, and Merchant Navy is still in demand, however, newer roles such as business analysts, and cybersecurity professionals are also grabbing the best salaries in the market today. Salaries for each of these roles not only depend on the educational background and professional experience, but also on how well you are equipped with the latest technology in each of these fields.

We have compiled a report about the study on the highest paying jobs in India. It also gives an insight into the minds of young early professionals, what they think about various career prospects, what Salary projections they have in mind for the coming year 2024, and much more.

We have listed down the roles which have been in demand despite the recession in our market today. Go through this list to understand the trends, skill requirements, and salary insights.

We have come up with a list of the highest-paid jobs in India to help aspiring professionals set their expectations and maybe also nudge them towards their goals. It’s safe to say that the following occupations have emerged as the highest salary jobs in India in recent years. However, the exact figures might vary depending on the cities and the level of professional experience.

List of Top 17 Highest Paying IT Jobs in India

Data Scientists -10.5 LPA
Artificial Intelligence Professionals – 8 LPA
Cyber Security Professionals – 5LPA
Machine Learning Professionals – ₹671,548 LPA
Full Stack Developers – 6.5 LPA
Cloud Computing Professionals: 5.4 LPA
Software Engineers:5.3 LPA
DevOps Engineer: 6.0 LPA
Blockchain Engineer: 5.0 LPA
IoT Solutions Architect:29.5 LPA
Software Architect: 25.7 LPA
Networking/telecommunications: 3.4 LPA
Database Administration: 10.0 LPA
Big Data Engineer: ₹466,265 LPA
Marketing:3.0 LPA
Project management: 14.5 LPA
C-level (chief information officer, etc.): ₹1,31,496 per month.

Entering the job market as a fresher is a challenge and it could take a lot of effort to find the right job. There are various kinds of opportunities in the market and young professionals need to look out for their first job that aligns with their skills and interests.

1. Data Scientists

Data scientists are among the most sought-after professionals today as companies are investing heavily in big data. Big data is important to create consumer-centric solutions and enhance product/service performance. Hence companies are hiring data scientists to help them make more data-driven business decisions. Data professionals are in high demand now and in the coming years are going to see more data scientists getting hired by top business companies. In keeping with this demand, data scientists can earn a base salary that is 36% higher than most professionals in the analytics industry.

You can expect your salary to shoot up to new highs after becoming a subject matter expert or after acquiring multiple degrees in data science. Typically data scientists earn up to 7 lakhs/annum at the entry-level and the number can go as high as 21-25 lakh/annum when you become a senior.

Entry Level: 5-7 lakh/annum*
Mid Level:12-15 lakh/annum*
Senior Level: 21-25 lakh/annum*

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer science, mathematics, statistics
Data science certifications
Project experience in the field of application

Skills:

Programming skills
Data visualization
Machine Learning
Analytical skills

Learn more about: What is Data Science?

2. Artificial Intelligence Professionals

The supply-demand gap for artificial intelligence professionals is incredibly high in India. Even now there are 2500 vacant AI positions that require skilled professionals and the steady rise of the applications of AI indicates the number is only going to increase in the coming future. However, a dearth of skilled AI professionals in the market has led to companies competing with each other to hire the best talent. Needless to say, AI experts are getting lucrative offers from all the leading companies along with a number of other benefits.

AI professionals are chiefly responsible for enabling machines to have artificial intelligence. Their core tasks include understanding and creating AI algorithm, programming and more.

Mid Level: 17 lakh/annum*
Senior Level: 26 lakh/annum*

Education:

Graduate in Mathematics, computer science, statistics, or related field
Certification in artificial intelligence courses

Skills:

Programming skills
Analytical skills
Robotics
Statistical skills

Learn more about: What is Artificial Intelligence?

3. Cyber Security Professionals

All most all kinds of businesses have an online presence today and so it becomes important to protect their valuable digital assets. Since cybersecurity is indispensable to all kinds of businesses, there’s a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. They ensure brands and businesses are secured against cyber threats and crimes. Recent reports show that cybersecurity experts can easily earn between 30-40 lakhs/annum.

Entry Level: 6 lakhs/annum*
Mid Level: 10-12 lakhs/annum*
Senior Level: 30 lakhs/ annum*

Education:

Graduate in Mathematics, computer science, statistics, or related field
Certification in a cybersecurity course

Skills:

Problem-Solving Skills
Technical aptitude
Analytical skills
Computer Forensics skills
Knowledge of Security across Various Platforms

Learn more about: Use Cases of Cybersecurity Across Different Domains

4. Machine Learning Professionals

AI and ML have taken the modern world by storm by designing more personal solutions for consumers. Machine learning professionals are helping brands to make more data-driven business decisions so that business risks are low.

Experts in machine learning have proved to be valuable assets to companies and their demand keep rising each year. A certification or degree in machine learning can accelerate your career to exciting directions.

Entry Level: 5-7 lakhs/annum*
Mid Level: 15 lakhs/annum*
Senior Level: 22lakhs/annum*

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, or a related field.
Specialization in Machine Learning through certification courses

Skills:

Computer Science knowledge and Programming
Probability and statistics
Software Engineering and System Design
Problem-solving
Data analysis

Learn more about: What is Machine Learning

5. Full Stack Developers

Full-stack developers are responsible for overall web development and maintenance. Their ability to work on both the front end and the back-end functionalities of any application makes them particularly significant in the tech department of any company. Reports show that there has been a 20% spike in the demand of full-stack developers in India in recent times.

Startup companies seem to be employing more full-stack developers as they need professionals who are responsible for product applications end-to-end. If you love coding and have commendable knowledge of Java, CSS, Python, RubyonRails and other coding languages, then you can expect high-paying offers from both startups and top MNCs.

Entry Level: 5-6 lakhs/annum**
Mid Level: 8-10 lakhs/annum**
Senior Level: 10-12 lakhs/annum**

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, computer science, statistics, or related field
Proficiency with fundamental front end languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript

Skills:

Front end and back end technology skills
Version control system
Coding skills
Cloud skills
Database skills

Learn more about: Career Opportunities for Full Stack Developers

6. Cloud Computing Professionals

Indian cloud computing industry will be worth $4 billion dollars by 2020. Cloud software engineers, cloud architects, cloud infrastructure engineer etc are in high demand and it will continue to rise. There are more openings than qualified candidates for cloud computing in India at the moment. A degree in cloud computing can spike your salary by up to 60%. Seasoned experts can even earn up to 70 lakhs/annum.

Entry Level: 6-8 lakhs/annum**
Mid Level:10-12 lakhs/annum**
Senior Level: 30 lakhs/annum**

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer applications or a science stream
Certification through cloud computing courses

Skills:

Programming skills
Database management skills
Linux skills
Artificial intelligence and machine learning knowledge
serverless architecture knowledge

Learn more about: Types of Cloud Computing

7. Software Engineers

India has been rather infamous when it comes to the number of IT professionals it churns out every year. Yet, the market keeps absorbing an increasing number of software engineers each year. With international tech giants investing in the Indian market and outsourcing talent overseas like never before, the number keeps growing. Cities like Bangalore alone has seen a rapid rise in the employment of engineers in recent years.
International projects and a steady domestic market ensures that money keeps coming in this sector. Seasoned Engineers with 4-5 years of experience can expect anywhere between 10-12 lakhs.

Entry Level: 4-6 lakhs/annum*
Mid Level: 10-15 lakhs/annum*
Senior Level: 25-30 lakhs/annum*

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer system engineering, or software engineering

Skills:

Software testing and debugging
Computer programming and coding
Problem-solving and logical thinking
Software development

8. DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers usually are a part the operations team and the development team. Some of the common tools that DevOps Engineers work with are Jenkins, Linux, Unix, and Git. On the coding and scripting front, they should be familiar with Python, Ruby, Shell and other popular programming languages. Facilitating automation is one of the core responsibilities of DevOps Engineers. They do it by maintaining the infrastructure and integrating it with cloud services.

The other major responsibilities include participation in deployment and network operations and working on developing new applications.

9. Blockchain Engineer

Blockchain engineers are responsible for developing and implementing solutions and architectures that are related to the blockchain technology. The adoption of digital payments is increasing drastically in India and therefore blockchain has appeared as a key innovator in fintech sector especially. Apart from fintech, there are various other sectors where blockchain has immense scope, such as smart contracts.

Given that the technology is only recent, the job market is facing a huge shortage of skilled blockchain professionals. This might be the right time for tech-buffs to enter this domain and make a career out of it.

While hiring, employers seek following skills and capabilities in prospect emplyees:

Proficiency in programming
Knowledge and understanding of Ripple, Etherium, R3, and bitcoin technologies.
In-depth understanding of consensus methodologies
Security protocol stacks and crypto libraries

10. IoT Solutions Architect

This is a leadership role and involves devising strategies and overseeing the deployment of all IoT solutions within an organization. Along with a great experience, the role demands proficiency in programming, hardware design, and architecture. Participation in other design-related activities is also required for translating business needs into technological solutions.

Skills Needed to become IoT Solution Architect

Be familiar with the Internet of Things.
Recognize various business solutions.
possess advanced programming language skills.
HTML and CSS expertise.
Recognize how to apply analytics and data.
possess application development expertise.
Recognize hosting and cloud computing.

11. Software Architect

A software architect establishes technical standards and makes high-level design decisions. This could involve the usage of tools, software coding standards, or platforms. A software architect must have extensive (and in-depth) technical knowledge to function effectively and make wise decisions.

12. Networking/telecommunications

A network engineer is a member of the technology industry who is qualified to design, build, and manage the computer networks that enable wireless, voice, data, and video network services used internally.

13. Database Administration

Database administration is the broad range of tasks carried out by a database administrator to guarantee that a database is always accessible when required. Database security, database monitoring and troubleshooting, and future development planning are other closely related duties and responsibilities.

14. Big Data Engineer

An information technology (IT) specialist known as a “big data engineer” is in charge of planning, constructing, testing, and maintaining intricate data processing systems that deal with massive amounts of data.

15. Marketing

A marketer is a person who advertises the goods and services of a company. They identify the tactics that can increase sales and revenue while making sure that these tactics are in line with both customer and market needs.

16. Project management

An expert who organises, plans, and manages projects while adhering to constraints like budgets and timetables is known as a project manager. Project managers oversee the work of entire teams, establish the objectives of a project, consult with stakeholders, and see it through to completion.

17. C-level (chief information officer, etc.)

Senior leadership jobs are held by C-level or C-suite executives within an organisation. They take significant actions to expand the businesses and alter the way the business runs for the long term. Many businesses have multiple CEO-to-CISO-level executive positions in their c-suite.

A Little Practicality Hurts No One

While ideals, interests, skills and ambition may drive you to chase any particular career path, salary plays an important role when it comes to sustaining that path. With the cost of living rising by leaps and bounds every year, it’s only natural that money will be a key decisive factor for freshers and experienced professionals alike when it comes to taking up any role.

Certifications and training will definitely help you move forward in your career, while passion and inner drive will lead you towards success. True passion along with self-discipline always pays off in the long run and sets you apart from the crowd.

Great Learning offers extensive courses on all the leading domains to help professionals upskill and make the most of all the opportunities of the disruptive economy. Check out the free courses on Great Learning Academy below:

Cloud Foundations
Introduction to R
Python for Machine Learning and more!